James Lawler, MD, MPH

Woody and Paula Varner Professor
Professor, UNMC Division of Infectious Diseases
Associate Director for International Programs and Innovation, Global Center for Health Security
Deputy Medical Director, Nebraska Biocontainment Unit
Fellow, National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska

Phone: 402-559-0549
Fax: 402-559-5581

Dr. Lawler is Associate Director for International Programs and Innovation at the Global Center for Health Security and Deputy Medical Director of the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit. Dr. Lawler’s career has focused on emerging infectious diseases, pandemic threats, biodefense, global health, and health system preparedness. He previously founded and led the Austere Environments Consortium for Enhanced Sepsis Outcomes (ACESO), an international network developing practical solutions for management of sepsis and severe infectious diseases in resource-limited settings. Dr. Lawler has field experience managing Ebola virus disease and other viral hemorrhagic fevers in Africa, as well as participating in outbreak response and humanitarian disaster relief in a variety of settings. Prior to arriving at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2018, Dr. Lawler served a 21-year career in the U.S. Navy, retiring at the rank of commander. He is board certified in infectious diseases and internal medicine and holds a Certificate of Knowledge in Clinical Tropical Medicine and Travelers’ Health.

At UNMC, Dr. Lawler’s teaching and research activities focus on preparing communities and health systems at all resource levels for health emergencies and emerging pandemic threats. Dr. Lawler mentors students, doctoral candidates, and fellows in projects ranging from improving infection prevention and control practices to building community resources for enhancing health emergency response. Through his role at the Global Center for Health Security, Dr. Lawler works with a variety of international collaborators on research and training projects, particularly focusing on interventions in East and West Africa.